2. Phandalin

Alex listens to Redhawk and Igrem as they respond. "Master Redhawk, you are an accomplished tracker. We would all benefit from your wisdom in this matter."

Turning to Igrem, Alex continues, "Master Igrem, I think it would be foolhardy for us to face the orcs directly. I am no expert, but orcs are significantly more dangerous than goblins. More akin to the hobgoblins whose ambush nearly did us, or at least me, in. I would suggest we approach in stealth and try as we can to pick them off one by one or two by two, in such a way as to not alert the others. Our chances of success climb dramatically for each creature we remove from the final scrum. Orcish discipline is certainly lacking in comparison with that of hobgoblins, and I think we should be able to eliminate a handful before we finally commit."

Turning back to Redhawk and Boggart, Alex asks "Master Woodsman and Forest Friend, what say you?"

"Makes sense to me," Boggart says with a shrug. "No point in sticking your neck out for a chopper unless necessary. I'm in favor of traps and deceit when needed. A shame we won't be closer to the woods...Perhaps the farmers will be able to help us in some way?"

Redhawk nods"Ambush and concealment are surely the way to go. Maybe one of the farmers will let us use a barn for a base." He will then look at Harbin"Will you help supply us? Surely the town can provide some supplies."

"Sure, I think that would increase your chances of success. What can we offer you?" said Harbin, unusually generous.

"Well, Master Harbin, we do not want to be greedy, but perhaps some kind of trap or two. One which would restrain or hobble a wandering orc, providing us the opportunity for interrogation, culling their numbers, or both. Some rope may be good as well." Turning to his companions, Alex says "We can keep it in the wagon with Gertrude." Remembering the small jade frog he has been carrying for a few days, Alex turns back to Master Harbin and asks "Is there an appraiser of Objet d'art in town? I am saving up for a rapier and am looking to convert some of our findings into coin."

Redhawk will nod at Alex's comment"A few bear traps would be good and yes some extra rope. You can never have to much rope. Maybe a couple of spare bows and some arrows in case one of our bows should break oh yes and a couple of bow strings. Maybe some extra rations also. Thinking for a second"Is there a farmer who is kind of the head out there or one who might work with us?"

Igrem does not see anything to add to what his companions requested, and simply waits for the answer.

Boggart, likewise, waits and listens.

Harbin listens to the growing list of supplies with an expression that suggests he is mentally calculating how much all of this would cost if adventurers had to pay for it themselves.

Fortunately for everyone involved, he seems to have already decided that dead orcs are worth a modest investment.

"Hmm. Sensible requests."

He reaches for a sheet of parchment and quickly scribbles several lines before stamping it with the town seal.

"There."

He hands the note to Redhawk.

"Take this to Mistress Graywind at the Lionshield Coster. It authorizes the loan of a few necessities. Please return what survives the expedition."

Two bear traps, fifty feet of rope, and a spare bowstring,

---

At Alex's question regarding the jade frog, Harbin shakes his head.

"An appraiser? Not specifically."

"Phandalin isn't quite large enough for specialists," Ander explains. "If anyone here can give you a fair assessment, it would be Linene Graywind. She deals with merchants, trade goods, valuables, and caravan cargo every day."

Sildar nods in agreement.

"She is honest, competent, and accustomed to judging the value of unusual items. I doubt you'll find anyone better in Phandalin."

---

Redhawk's question about the local farmers earns a thoughtful look from Harbin.

"If you're looking for someone who keeps an eye on what's happening beyond the immediate outskirts of town, speak with Narth Tezrin."

Ander points to a location on the map, some distance south of the Triboar Trail.

"He lives about two day's travel from here. You can't miss the place—a farmhouse painted green with a large barn beside it." Harbin adds. "There are signs pointing the way, so travelers stop there from time to time, and he gets a lot of local news. If the orcs have been active recently, there's a good chance he knows where they've been seen."

Looking at the paper he was handed after reading it"Could add some arrows to list? If we are going to ambushing and keeping our distance we will need them."

"Yeah, yeah..." said Harbin, adding a few dozen arrows to the list.

"Thank you kindly, Master Harbin and Master Sildar; we will prepare ourselves, rest at the inn, and head out early in the morning." Turning to his companions, Alex says "I am going to head back to Mistress Graywind at the coster and then to the Lady's Shrine to offer my apologies to the Luckbringer, in that we cannot head out on her mission immediately. For that matter, should we take Gertrude with us, or travel lightly and stealthily over the week or so this mission should take us?"

Igrem, I believe you don't like sleeping in the wilderness any more days than absolutely necessary, am I right?

Redhawk will follow Alex and also go for a nights sleep. "I think we should take the wagon. Less for us to carry on our person and it will get us up off the ground at night. I will be able to move and track better if I am less burdened."

With plans made and supplies arranged, the meeting at the Townmaster's Hall comes to an end. Sildar wishes you luck and ask you to talk to him after your quest, while Harbin seems relieved that someone will be dealing with the orc problem.

The afternoon passes quickly.

---

Alex, you return first to the Lionshield Coster, where Linene Graywind reviews the townmaster's note and gives you two sturdy hunting traps, a coil of rope, and a spare bowstring. Those items soon find their place in the wagon.

As for the jade frog, Linene examines it carefully, turning it over in her hands and testing the workmanship.

"It's genuine jade," she concludes. "Nicely carved, too. Nothing legendary, mind you, but certainly worth coin to the right buyer."

---

From there, Alex makes his way once more to the Shrine of Luck.

When Alex explains to Sister Garaele that duty to the town has delayed any immediate journey to seek Agatha, the young elf merely smiles.

"There is no offense to forgive."

---

As dusk settles over Phandalin, Alex and Redhawk eventually return to the Stonehill Inn. The wagon is secured, Gertrude is fed and watered, and after a hot meal the group retires for a much-needed night's sleep.

The night passes peacefully.

Apparently, either Alex has successfully embellished the provenance of the frog or the mistress has pity on him, for he walks out with 50 gold pieces. As he leaves, he asks "Is there a sword smith in town who can craft a rapier? My style leans more toward the quick sting of the bee than the heavy thrust of the bull."

"As we have the beast, why not take her with us? But here's where we part for the night; I've some business to take care of before I lay me down. I'll see you all anon!" Boggart said, then bounded off with Puck at his heels.

He skipped towards the tree line as soon as he broke line of sight with his companions, no longer able to stifle his urge to be amongst the woods with no one watching. He learned long ago that some people found it rude that being apart from the wilderness filled him with a growing sense of unease, and so he schooled his reactions for as long as he could.

Puck chattered at Boggart. "Almost there, old friend," he replied. Finally they were beneath a canopy of leaves once more, and a weight that had been pressing down of Boggart lifted, and he sighed in relief. This was where he belonged, not in some hut in a village (or worse, a city). He wandered, letting instinct guide his step, for that was how the Lady often spoke to him. She guided him through her domain as the day grew hazy and the eventide turned the shadows of the woods into a different place altogether.

Soon he traveled only by the light of the moon, the stars, and fireflies, and there came upon holy ground - a grove with an ancient oak upon a hill around which flowed a brook of clear, cool water. Moonlight revealed a path of soft grass and moss that lead up to the oak, and he knelt beneath it and clasped his hands around the icon of his goddess. Boggart filled his heart with a silent prayer to Mielikki, Queen of the Forest, for all the truest prayers are spoken not with words.

There he knelt until he was sure his prayer was received. Nestled beneath the boughs of the elder oak grew a bed of heather, and Boggart soon found himself laying upon it. Curled up next to him was Puck. As he drifted off, in the liminal space between waking and Nod, the blurry form of a unicorn could just barely be seen.

Igrem does nothing fancy in the evening, being accustomed to bigger towns. He only mildly inquires about the presence of a mage or magical authority in Phandalin, then goes to the inn to eat, rest, meditate a bit about the events of the day and do his usual studies, preparing himself for the day to come.

"I can sell you one for 60 gp," said Linene.

---

None that the people of the village know of.

---

Gathered around the wagon, maps and supplies spread before you, you study the terrain leading east from Phandalin.

There are two obvious ways to reach the farms near Wyvern Tor. Maybe more, if you are creative.



The Triboar Trail
The first option is simple. Just follow the road.

The Triboar Trail is well-traveled by local standards, allowing the wagon to move quickly and comfortably. Gertrude would appreciate the easier footing, and the journey would likely be faster overall.

The disadvantages are equally obvious.

Anyone watching the road can see travelers from a considerable distance away. If the orcs, bandits, or other hostile creatures maintain patrols, scouts or lookouts, your approach may be observed long before you reach the area.

Likewise, if you encounter trouble, there may be little cover nearby.

The Hills and Shrublands
The second option is to leave the road entirely. The country between Phandalin and Wyvern Tor consists of rolling hills, scattered copses of trees, rocky outcroppings, and stretches of scrubby brush.

Traveling through this terrain would be slower, particularly with a wagon, but it offers many advantages.

For one, you would be harder to spot. Redhawk would have greater opportunities to track movement through the area and the numerous ridges and hills could provide excellent observation points from which to scout the farms and the approaches to Wyvern Tor.

Of course, the same terrain that hides you can also hide whatever else lives out there. And if the wagon becomes stuck, progress could become frustratingly slow.